By DayakDaily Team
MIRI, May 30: Sarawak Energy, in collaboration with the police, recently dismantled a cryptocurrency mining operation located in a two-storey shophouse at Pujut 7 and seized 17 mining servers during a raid after being alerted by members of the public.
In a statement today, Sarawak Energy revealed that the servers were discovered with direct tapping cables connected from the shophouse’s main electrical wiring to the server room through the five-foot way.
The presence of burn marks near these cables indicated a severe fire hazard, posing a significant risk to nearby properties and lives if left unchecked.
Immediate action was taken to confiscate the cables, and a police report has been filed to initiate further investigation into the matter.
Since 2018, Sarawak Energy’s operations arm, Syarikat Sesco Berhad (Sesco) has recorded more than 260 power theft cases by cryptocurrency miners. Consequently, Sesco estimated its losses to be nearly RM4 million monthly due to stolen electricity.
Sarawak Energy emphasised the grave dangers and repercussions associated with stealing electricity for cryptocurrency mining. The substantial electricity consumption and heat generated by such operations can lead to fires, damage to electrical infrastructure, loss of life, and disruptions to neighbouring properties.
Offenders are liable under Section 33(5) of the Electricity Ordinance, which carries penalties of up to RM200,000 in fines and/or a maximum imprisonment term of five years.
Landlords are urged to exercise caution when renting out their properties to mitigate potential involvement in unlawful activities by tenants. Registering electricity accounts under the tenant’s name can help minimise the risk of being implicated in electricity theft.
Sesco’s technical team is highly trained and equipped with the necessary tools to detect various methods of electricity theft, including innovative techniques.
Individuals with information related to electricity theft are encouraged to report it to Sarawak Energy through its Customer Care Centre at 1300-88-3111 or by emailing customercare@sarawakenergy.com.
All information provided will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. — DayakDaily
